President Peres said Monday that he opposes imposing criminal sanctions on haredim who refuse to join the army.

"Not everyone needs to serve in the army, you can serve elsewhere. The obligation of service should apply to everyone, but the ways of service can be different," he told students at Bar-Ilan University.

"I'm a great believer in dialogue. I wouldn't make this issue a criminal offense. I believe we can talk to reach our goals," Peres added. (Ynetnews)